'Step up for breastfeeding': It's a team effort
- Category: General, Maternity Care
- Posted On:
- Written By: Boulder Community Health
Celebrating World Breastfeeding Week – Aug. 1 through Aug. 7
The first week of each August is World Breastfeeding Week (WBW), an annual celebration that aims to increase breastfeeding awareness and improve the health of mothers and their babies. This year’s theme is "Step Up for Breastfeeding: Educate and Support" and emphasizes that breastfeeding is a team effort.
Breastfeeding requires information and many circles of support to create an environment that empowers families to breastfeed. With close support from partners, families, friends, employers, child care providers, health care providers and communities, breastfeeding success improves.
YOUR BCH SUPPORT TEAM
Enroll in a breastfeeding class. Taken while you’re pregnant, our breastfeeding classes cover breastfeeding basics such as optimal positioning, latching, reading your baby’s hunger signals and knowing when your baby is getting enough breast milk. Register now at bch.org/birthclasses.
Attend our breastfeeding support group: Participating in our breastfeeding support group after your baby is born provides an opportunity to get your questions answered in a social atmosphere. Learn more at bch.org/birthclasses.
Get free phone advice: We’ll be available at 303-415-7230 seven days a week for questions that can be answered over the phone. There is no charge for this service.
Order breast pumps and breastfeeding supplies: We offer short- and long-term rental of breast pumps and purchase of breastfeeding supplies.
Discuss plans for breastfeeding with your provider: In the breastfeeding section of your birth plan, be sure to state your intention to breastfeed. Then discuss your plan with your physician or midwife. Download a Birth Plan Template now.
Study up on tips for breastfeeding success. Breastfeeding is a learned skill for both mom and baby, requiring time and patience. Download our Tips for Breastfeeding Success, which covers recognizing signs of hunger, positioning, proper latching, and much more.
Get outpatient consultations: Because some challenges can occur after you go home, our board-certified lactation consultants are available to help whenever breastfeeding issues arise.
BENEFITS OF BREASTFEEDING
Infants who are breastfed have a reduced risk of:
- Asthma
- Lower respiratory infection
- Certain allergies
- Childhood obesity
- Gastrointestinal infections (diarrhea/vomiting)
- Eczema
- Ear infections
- Childhood leukemia
- Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
Breastfeeding can help lower a mother’s risk of:
- High blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Breast and ovarian cancer
- Osteoporosis
Breastfeeding also impacts the health of our entire community.
- Lowers health care costs and saves lives.
- Protects the environment, as it requires no packaging and results in fewer cans and bottles in landfills.
- Is not susceptible to infant formula recalls or shortages.